Bedford bulletin by Rosetta Publishing

BEDFORD BOROUGH EDITION

AUGUST 2017

Pictured top left clockwise: Castle Newnham School’s production of the Railway Children – page 6. Pupils show off Wixams new uniforms – page 3. Hot Yoga in Bedford Park – page 9. Bedford’s Catholic Schools exam success – page 9. Bedford Hospitals’ Charity takes delivery of more vehicles – page 5.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 3

Rewarding Olympic values Thirty pupils from Westfield school were rewarded for demonstrating the Olympic Values this year with a special visit to the QE2 Park. They had a fantastic day watching the World

Paralympic Championships and then spent some time in the Heroes Village where they were able to try a variety of activities. They also got to meet Paralympic gold medallist discus thrower Aled Davies. KS2 co-ordinator and PE teacher Bradley Temperley who organised the visit said: “It is great to reward children who show Olympic Values in their everyday lives such as courage and friendship. Understanding and appreciating these values will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”

Huge support for Wixams

The transfer day bringing together students from a wide range of primary schools to the brand new Wixams secondary which opens in September was a great success, reports Principal Paul Spyropoulus. Whilst local residents still await news on other long promised facilities, a brand new Wixams Academy for 11year-olds upwards and next door, the Wixams Tree Primary are opening in September. Both are under the banner of the Bedford College Academies Trust (BCAT) – a familiar and respected educational name in Bedfordshire. Said Mr Spyropoulus: “The support of the local community has been tremendous. With the help of parents we expect our students will achieve exceptional things.” head of Wixams Tree Primary Mary Langley is delighted tor report she has made some outstanding staff appointments. A few places may still be available in Year 1 and 2 before the school numbers grow in line with huge house building predictions.

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The Bedford Bulletin is an independent magazine with no affiliation to any other organisation. Published by © 2017 Rosetta Publishing Ltd. 30 Radwell Road, Milton ernest, Bedford MK44 1Sh. Tel: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email all departments:pat@rosettapublishing.com. Printed by: Mortons Print Limited, Newspaper house, Morton Way, Boston Road, horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR.

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Tel: 01234 293907 Mob: 07866 926433 NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL IT WAS a case of blowing ones own recorder when a special group of woodwind musicians visited Biddenham Upper School recently. One of his former students and head of the Music Department, Georgina Murphy, invited Professor Ian Wilson the principal recorder professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama to come along with some of his students to demonstrate the musical versatility of a range of recorders and woodwind instruments. As well as showing the children the instruments they gave two performances, which they hoped would inspire the students to play the recorder themselves. Professor Wilson is also the head of Woodwind at eton College and is the visiting recorder specialist at the North east of Scotland Music School in his hometown of Aberdeen. ––––––––––––––

Kelvin’s a man on a mission

KeLvIN Woolmer is a man with an Olympic-style team-building mission. In addition to being the new Rector of St Peter de Merton with St Cuthbert, Kelvin has the Diocese-double task of setting up a whole pastoral community team for the town centre. The former rugby-playing police officer started his life in the church as a chaplain for construction workers at the 2012 Olympics: “It was a fantastic time to be involved with some many people from all backgrounds, working together for the common aim of showcasing the best of world sport. The team I led on the Olympic Park dealt with people at all levels.” Moving from Waltham Abbey in epping Forest, he and his wife Jean are settled into the Rectory off St Peter’s Street and are making new friends. Kelvin wants to link up to businesses in the town centre and made his first contacts through one of the BedfordBID Breakfasts held at the Park Inn this summer.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 5

Handing back her pole

JOAN Loft, Bedford Borough’s longest serving School Crossing Patrol, has decided to retire at the end of the term after nearly 43 years serving the community in Wootton. It is estimated that Joan has seen more than three hundred thousand children safely across the road during that time.

Increased demand met by Charity

IN 2016, £750,000 from the Bedford hospitals Charity financed the addition of new treatment chairs and the expansion of the Primrose Oncology Unit in Bedford hospital, and the provision of very advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment in some associated departments. These needs were brought about by the increasing numbers of patients needing treatment in this excellent and highly regarded cancer care unit. The increase resulted in more patients being taken to and from Addenbrooke’s hospital, by the volunteer drivers of the Primrose Car Service, the free service provided by the Bedford hospitals Charity. volunteers drive vauxhall cars, three of which are bought by the charity and a fourth car which is loaned and frequently renewed by vauxhall Motors. Since this unique service began in 2006 more than 800,000 miles have been driven and 24,000 patient journeys made, with 2017 expected to exceed 2,500 patient journeys. Many patients have 15 or 30 days of treatment in just a few weeks and with unpaid drivers, financial support from Michael R Peters of Bedford, a parttime coordinator paid by the charity and with management by the east of england Ambulance NhS Trust, patients have greatly reduced stress in difficult times.

Cllr Charles Royden, Deputy Mayor said: “every day, through all kinds of weather, rain or shine, hot or cold, our school crossing patrols carry out their duties and dedicate themselves to the safety of local children. Joan has been helping children get to school in Wootton since September 1974, and I would like to thank her for this amazing contribution to the community and the school. I know Joan will be much missed by the children and parents of Wootton Lower.” head Teacher of Wootton Lower School, Chris Tavener said: “Joan is a lovely lady and will be sorely missed by everyone she meets on her crossing. She greets the children with a wonderful smile and ensures they arrive at school happy and ready to start the day. It is amazing how many people she has helped over her time here.”

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All aboard for Railway Children

IT IS full steam ahead for the latest production from Castle Newnham School who are one of the first schools in the country to stage e.e Nesbit’s The Railway Children. Jenny Agutter who played the leading character Bobbie in the 1970 iconic version of the film and is now famous for her role in the popular BBC Tv series ‘Call the Midwife’ sent the school the following good luck message for their production. “I was very pleased to hear about the production of The Railway Children being put on at Castle Newnham by the children there. I am sure it will be great fun for those taking part and for those lucky enough to be in the audience. “This wonderful story has always been popular, it was published in 1905 and has never been out of print. There have been many adaptations, I have been lucky enough to be involved with

three, every time it was a joy to tell the story and to be part of the charming family Nesbit wrote about. I am sure that she would have felt that a school production with young people playing all the characters she created was entirely right. Make believe is the best game to play after all.”

The school were delighted that Thameslink, the railway company that serves Bedford, has supported the production. They gave a substantial financial contribution to the costs of programmes and other printed materials.

Stuart Cheshire, Thameslink’s Passenger Services Director, said: “We really care about supporting our local communities, through educational sessions about railway safety and helping with events such as this. When the school approached us we were very happy to support their efforts, especially as it was The Railway Children.”

Fast lane engineering

IN The fast lane to careers in engineering are Bedford College engineering students. In pole position is Benjamin Burke who won the Mercedes AMG hPP Student of the Year award and with it a ‘golden ticket’ chance to become an apprentice for the Formula One company - plus £500. Swiss student Luca Stalder crossed the line with the excellence in engineering Theory prize and Most

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Improved Learner was Georgina Sleeman. The awards were presented at an end of year ceremony at Bedford College attended by Lee Walters of Mercedes AMG hPP of Brixworth who talked students through the fantastic opportunities available at his company. Bedford College is one of only a few colleges in the UK targeted by the company for potential trainees.

Inspiring women and children

JOhN Bunyan Museum’s free exhibition – ‘Inspiring Women of Bunyan’ is now open, and will run to the 7th October. The exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of one of the first woman ordained into ‘mainstream’ Christian Ministry, Constance Coltman, and focusing on the important women in John Bunyan’s life, the characters represented in Part Two of The Pilgrim’s Progress, and women’s roles in Bunyan Meeting from its founders to the present day. Also on display as part of the exhibition are the winning entries from the ‘Sincerely, elizabeth Bunyan’ writing competition. entrants were asked to imagine they were elizabeth Bunyan: your husband John has just been imprisoned for his beliefs, and you must write a 500 word letter to the powerful Judge hale, to plead and argue for John Bunyan’s pardon and release. Judging was across four age groups, with 110 entries, from seven different schools. A big ‘Thank You’ to the four judges; heather Marks, Graham Bates, Jane George, and Raymond Khan, all of whom are active or retired Magistrates. They awarded the following prizes: YEARS 10-13: 1st Prize Lucas Inman – Bedford School, 2nd Prize emmanuel Adeyani – Bedford School, 3rd Prize Bryn Williamson – Bedford School YEARS 7-9: 1st Prize Tobiloba Apesin – Bedford Girls School, 2nd Prize Olaoluwa Apesin – Bedford School, 3rd Prize harvey Knights – Bedford School YEARS 4-6: 1st Prize Ayesha Begum – Livingstone Primary School, 2nd Prize Damien Moldovan – Livingstone Primary School, 3rd Prize Angel Babalola – Putnoe Primary School YEARS 1-3: 1st Prize Semilore Apesin – Cauldwell Primary School, 2nd Prize Daniella Adjei-Asante – Putnoe primary School, 3rd Prize Tanishk Barve – Putnoe Primary School, and highly Commended Pijus - Putnoe primary School.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 7

The Unfairness of the Bedford Baby Boomer’s £4,319,320,000 Windfall? (Part 1) by Nigel Bywater Director of Sales/Finance Belvoir Bedford T: 01234 290685

Recently I was having a chat with one of my second cousins at a big family get-together. The last time I had seen them their children were in their early teens. Now their children are all grown up, have partners, dogs and children. Wow – how time flies! So, I got talking over a glass of lemonade with my 2nd cousins and a couple of their children, about the times of 15% interest rates and how the more mature members of our family had to endure the 3 day week, 20% inflation and the threat of nuclear annihilation in 4 minutes .. so, foolishly, I said what with all the opportunities youngsters had to day, they had never had it so good! Trust one of my cousin’s children to have gained some financial/economics qualifications before going to Law School, as they debated with me the genuine economic predicament of Millennials and how a combination of student debt, unemployment, global proliferation, EU migration and rising house values is reducing the salaries

and outlook of masses of the UK’s younger generation, causing an unparalleled disparity of wealth between the generations. So of course I asked why that was? They said Millennials were paying the price for the UK’s most spectacular bookkeeping catastrophe to date (bigger than the Bank bailout after the Credit Crunch). Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, nobody predicted us Brit’s would live as long as we do today, and in such abundant numbers. The OAP pensions that were promised in the past (be that Government State Pension or Company Final Salary Schemes) which appeared to be nothing fancy at the time, are now burdensomely over-lavish, and that is hurting the Millennials of today and will do so for years to come. Bringing it back to property, the young 2nd cousin once removed ‘soon to be’ lawyer, stated that baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965 have been big recipients of the vast rising house prices over the 1970’s/80’s/90’s and

2000’s. Add to that their decent pensions, meaning cumulatively, their wealth has grown exponentially through no skill of their own. This disparity of wealth between the older and younger generations could have unparalleled consequences for the living standards of younger Millennials… So Houston Bedford – do we have a problem?? Well Bedford Property Blog readers, you know I like a challenge. I can’t disagree with some of what the younger family member said, but there are always two sides to every story, so I thought I would do some homework on the matter .. Since 1990, the average value of a property in Bedford has risen from £94,800 to its current level of £322,600. As there are a total of 18,961 homeowners aged over 50 in Bedford; that means there has been a £4.32bn windfall for those Bedford homeowners fortunate enough to own their own homes during the property boom of the 1990s and early 2000’s. I must admit that the growth in property values in the 1990’s and 2000’s certainly helped many of Bedford’s baby boomers. The figures do appear to put into reverse gear the perceived wisdom that each generation gets wealthier than the previous one … and so with all this wealth, the figures do back up the youngsters argument that Millennials are being priced out of home ownership. Or do they? Are they? Next time, I will carry on this discussion where I will give the Baby Boomer’s defence to the prosecution’s case! Please visit our blog: www.bedfordpropertyblog.com

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Green Award for Vincenza and Guy

50th birthday celebration Last month the Mayor of Bedford helped the children of Scott Lower celebrate the school’s 50th birthday! Mayor Dave Hodgson was ‘blown away’ with a pre-concert exclusive performance of ‘Be My Guest’ before helping to cut the birthday cake! The school also arranged an exhibition showing photos and sports day and concert programmes spanning the last 50 years. To mark the school officially becoming Scott Primary in September the entire school community worked together to design a new logo. As the school is named after Captain Scott, the new logo needed to reflect this and after much exploring the Scott compass was discovered! This along with other interesting items chosen by the children were buried, with the help of the Mayor, in a time capsule in the school grounds!

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BeDFORD-BASeD Cartridge Depot won the Green Award at the SMe Bedfordshire Business Awards 2017. The St Loyes Street business is run by husband and wife team, vicenza and Guy Ciampi. The Business Award ceremony took place on the July 12, 2017 at Bedford Corn exchange. On the night Cartridge Depot was chosen as winners of the prestigious Green Award category 2017, they were also finalists in the ‘Bedford Business of the Year’ category in these awards. This is the second time Cartridge depot have one

the Green Award, they were winners of the Green Award at the FSB Bedfordshire business Awards 2015. Cartridge Depot specialise in the supply of printer cartridges and have recently reached a landmark number of cartridges that they have recycled which now amounts to over 21,000 cartridges. Due to the hard work Cartridge Depot along with their customers and the local community has put into recycling empty printer cartridges they were chosen as finalist in the Green Award category at the SMe Bedfordshire Business Awards 2017.

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Rutherford pupils Hot Yoga in scoop top prizes Bedford Park

MARK Rutherford School was invited to submit Art work to the North Bedfordshire Decorative and Fine Arts Society Sixth Form Art Competition. Only three pieces of work could be submitted and the calibre of the work this year is very high so it was not an easy choice. erin McCaffray, Lina Dubbins and hayley Worthington were our selected students. The judging was by Alex Chinneck, hannah Coombs and Tom Perrett, they were very impressed with the quality of the work, the competition was fierce. On June 27th we were informed that erin McCaffray had won first place in the competition. The other two students also achieved highly commended awards. This means that we came top out of the ten competing schools placing above Bedford School, Sharnbrook and Bedford Modern. A letter from the North Bedfordshire Fine Arts Society said:”Many congratulations to Jacqui Saunders and the Art Department of Mark Rutherford School, all three of whose students scooped prizes in our 2017 Sixth Form Art Competition.

INTeRNATIONAL Yoga Day on 21st June led to hundreds of people taking part in free yoga in the beautiful surroundings of Bedford Park. Organised by halcyon Yoga, Pavilion at the Park and Mind BLMK with support from the Bedford Borough Council Sport Development Team, 9 local yoga teachers held sessions with everything from baby and children’s yoga to Sound Baths. Nearly 300 people booked onto classes, with more arriving on the day. With the temperature touching the mid 30’s, a whole day of classes was held on the grass next to the Pavilion, in the shade of the trees where possible! Donations were made to Mind BLMK, raising a total of £336.48 all of which will go towards supporting the work they do in Bedford. Steve McNay from Mind BLMK said: “It was a fantastic day and brilliant to see so many people coming and getting involved. Yoga can be really useful in helping to maintain positive wellbeing and this event has given everyone a chance to try it out.”

BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 9

Regional engineering jobs

SeMLeP Board member Tom Wells switched on work at a £5 million Advanced engineering & Construction Centre at Bedford College. £2.5 million has been awarded by the South east Midlands Local enterprise Partnership towards the building. Tom Wells, of the Charles Wells Bedford brewing family, took to the controls of a giant Continuous Flight Auger to drill piles for the foundations on the Cauldwell Street project. Joining him was Claire Cartwright, a former apprentice turned construction surveyor and now lecturer at the college. SeMLeP recognised how the college is leading the way in 21st Century training by working with international names such as Cranfield University and providing a BSc in engineering with the University of Northampton. In partnership with international motor giant General Motors, Bedford College is also running Mechatronics Apprenticeships – the only one in the region which meets the new Government ‘standards’ .

SATs success at Catholic schools

STUDeNTS and staff at St John Rigby Primary and St Gregory’s Middle School are celebrating another year of excellent Year 6 SATs results, which continues the trend of year on year improvement. Both schools are placed once again amongst the top performing in Bedford LA. “These results reflect the strong partnership that we have with outstanding staff, hardworking pupils, highly supportive parents and Directors. each year the bar has been raised and, through a shared drive and commitment, pupils’ results have continued to rise. Such success has prepared them well for the next stage of their education.” said head Teacher, Ms Topa.

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Celebrating its 25th anniversary

The agency opened its doors in 1992 as eales and hollands and became known as hollands Smith in September 2007. To mark this 25 year milestone, the business has refreshed its look with a bolder logo. Over the years the agency has become part of the community in which it is based, has supported local events and forged strong ties with residents associations and schools. This privately owned, fully independent company made Castle Road its home and the agency has remained in its original office since launching in

1992. Both directors – Simon hollands and Rob Smith – live within the area and have a combined experience of over 50 years of the local market. employing up to the minute marketing methods with a vigorous website presence on all of the major property portals, the team enjoy the same level of success across all parts of the town and beyond. In 2009 the agency launched a lettings business. Rob Smith said: “We are delighted that we have an experienced manager, Jane, heading up the lettings who shares our values.”

Charity fundraiser

OncE again the generous landlord, landlady and the regulars of the castle Pub in newnham Street, are pulling together to organise a themed charity fund-raiser in aid of Teenage cancer Trust on Saturday September 2 between 1.30-6pm. This year’s theme is Medieval england and there will be a ‘Tournament’ to rival anything from the court of henry vIII : best dressed King/Queen of The Castle, Apple Bobbing, Pork Feast (and options), Stocks for local ‘villains’ who you may choose to nominate, face painting, live music and much more. Some regulars are running the Bedford half Marathon on behalf of the event, whilst others (including you!) are encouraged to join us on a 26 mile bike ride in the morning to raise funds. A silent auction is to begin in advance and complete on the day and lots include Manchester United v Mancester City tickets, Arsenal v West ham and top seats at the big NFL games at Wembley this year. Find out more by visiting the pub, following us on FB /castlebedford or go to www.castlebedford.co.uk for more information and to register for the bike ride, Come along and join us in this worthwhile event, raising funds for a great cause, in Merry Old england.

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AUUGST IN THE GARDEN – by Milton Ernest Garden Centre

T’S August ostensibly the hottest month of the year so many plants flowering now reflect the brilliant fiery colours of heat ranging from yellow, orange, red and pink. They use bright colours to attract insects to visit the flowers. As the bees, butterflies, ants, beetles and moths perch on the petals foraging for nectar pollen becomes stuck to their bodies and is transferred to other flowers allowing fertilization to occur and seeds to start developing. The more vibrantly intense the flower colour or scent the more insects are attracted. Single flowers generally have more nectar and pollen than hybridised double flowers and are at their best in August giving lots of colour in the mixed borders and nectar and pollen to the bees, butterflies and other insects. Simple open flowers with daisy, tubular and trumpet shape flowers are often the most visited. Single Dahlias have simple open eight petal flowers and vibrant colours. Some new varieties to consider planting are Dahlia Fifteen Love, a rich orange flower tinted pink with really dark bronzy black foliage, Mystic enchantment, with bright red flowers which contrast beautifully with the leaves. Dahlia

Some like it hot

eye Candy has stunning orange red and cream flowers again with dark foliage while Waterlily is brilliant pink. Crocosmia formally called Monbretia is an upright perennial plant with spikes of small tubular flowers in great hot colours and is very easy to grow. Crocosmia Peach Sunrise has flaming orange flowers and forms clumps which will increase in size every year. Crocosmia Buttercup is golden yellow and grows well in sun or shade. Rudbeckias have brilliant daisy flowers in yellow and gold with chocolate brown centres. They are hardy perennial plants which grow easily in full sun and will tolerate dry conditions. They form neat clumps towards the front of the border and associate very well when planted with grasses like Ursinia Rubra and Carex Buccannii. Salvias have upright spikes of tubular flowers in shades of bright scarlet and pink. Two particularly attractive varieties are Salvia hot Lips and Little Kiss. They have pinky red and white bicolour

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flowers on compact growing disease resistant plants. Salvia Salmon Dance is an unusual shade of soft pink and Salvia Radio Red is glowing red with the flowers lasting a long time. echinacea is another hardy perennial with daisy shaped flowers ranging in colour from white, cream, bright yellow, red, orange, pink and purple. The variety Chunky Purple is compact in habit, attracts many insects and has large intensely pink flowers. Tomato Soup is tomato red flowering from August through September, Now Cheesier and Cleopatra have large golden yellow flowers while Orange Skipper is deep burnt orange with a dark brown velvety centre. Japanese Anemones again with simple open petal flowers keep the pink colour going through August into October. Anemone Robustissima, Seranade, Pamina and Montrose are all good new hardy varieties which grow well in sun or partial shade. Sedum, the Ice Plant, is a great addition for any mixed planting. It

has a neat sculptural habit which gives shape and form to any border. The foliage can be green, blue, purple or variegated depending on variety. It thrives in a sunny place and dry soil and looks great in any cottage garden. Sedum Carl and Pizazz both have pink flowers in late summer, hold their flowers all through winter and look great covered in early morning frost in December and January. Penstemons provide lots of flower colour and food for insects. Their spikes of Foxglove like flowers vary from pale pink and white, pink, red, ruby, lilac and purple. They are easy to grow in any well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Particularly colourful varieties are Taffy Blueberry, purple pink with a white centre, Taffy Grape, very deep pink and white centre, Taffy Strawberry, red pink with a white centre and King George and Firebird which are red. From this selection I hope you will find some sizzling plants to enhance your garden in the hot hazy days of summer.

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BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 13

Home Instead Senior Care – supportive and inclusive A SENSE of inclusion and community can have such an amazing effect on wellbeing. Feelings of joy and happiness are created when we feel included within the world around us. A sense of empowerment rises when we are supported to carry out activities which we personally enjoy. We have pleasure supporting our clients to continue to access the local community and to participate with activities that are meaningful to them. If venturing outside is no longer viable, we just get very creative! Here are just a few examples of how we support clients with meaningful activities in their home environment. We have created a song book for a client who had difficulty with speech but loves old songs, played musical instruments, took photos of where a client grew up and shared them with her, researched and printed off resources, and surprised a client with a birthday tea party. Enjoying the community Bedford’s Lions club has been an active club since 1967, their volunteers have raised in the region of £20,000 each year. Back in June, for the third consecutive year, Home Instead’s clients were invited along to the Bedford Lions Club tea party. The clients who chose to attend, where supported by their Caregiver and were treated to a wonderful tea time treat. Bedford Modern School Choir and Sharnbrook Professional Choir regaled all with wonderful renditions of a variety of old style musicals and a wonderful performance of ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow.’ Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day Also in June, people up and down the country were raising money for The Alzheimer’s Society, in the form of Cupcakes. We joined in the fun and

held an event in Wootton Village where we are based. Our office staff and Caregivers mixed up a wonderful and glorious batch of various cupcakes, that Mary Berry would have been proud of! We were joined by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Vinod Tailor, who enjoyed chatting to our clients and caregivers. We raised £250. Meet caregiver Chris Turner Since joining Home Instead just over 18 months ago I have had the privilege to work with some amazing caregivers and interesting clients. I would hand on heart say that it has been the best and most fulfilling role I have had in my working life and no two days are the same. The reward that you get from helping people and making a difference to their lives is unmeasurable. Perhaps one of the most rewarding times I can recall was at the funeral of a client who sadly passed away, where a packed congregation where told during the eulogy what a difference Home Instead and myself had made to the deceased life

and to have this then reinforced by his daughter and niece later when I ran into them when shopping in the town words cannot truly describe. The support that we all receive from the office team in helping us do our role to the best of abilities should not be under estimated by anyone who comes into contact with Home Instead as they are always on the end of the phone to discuss any issues I have come across and provide me with guidance and direction. On a final point, I would just like to thank everyone who has given me this opportunity to be an angel and make a difference and I hope that when my time comes that I will need care as it probably will having a mother who is diabetic and a father who has Alzheimer that people like you all will still be around to make my life fulfilled and comfortable Working with Home Instead is rewarding and meaningful. We provide full training and you become part of a trusted, local team. Call Jackie on 01234 868820.

14 — BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952

email: editorial@rosettapublishing.com

out & about The Selecter and The Beat Bedford Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sat September 30

Two Tone legends The Selecter and The Beat are teaming up to give fans a rare treat, hitting the road together for a number of dates. Life-long friends, they are two of the main bands to come out of 2 Tone – a crucial musical and cultural movement which is still as relevant today as it was over 30 years ago. Renowned for their energetic live shows, longevity has not diminished either band’s ability to put in a performance and get everyone in a room, or field, dancing. The Selecter is led by their iconic frontwoman Pauline Black, alongside an incredible talented band of musicians, and co-fronted by original member Arthur ‘Gaps’ hendrickson.

The Beat fronted by Ranking Roger released their spectacular fourth album Bounce (the first in over 30 years) in September 2016. No strangers to Bedford Corn exchange, this will be The Selecter’s third visit to the venue packing it out in their own right in February 2016.

Tickets online from seetickets and Bedford corn Exchange Box Office Tickets can also be picked up in person (booking fee free) from Planet Boutique in the Arcade, Bedford, Mario’s Hair Design in Kempston and Vinyl Revelations in Luton.

1. Who is the lead singer of The Selecter? 2. Which year did The Beat last have a headline show at Bedford Corn Exchange? Email your answers to: sally@thepadpresents.com

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS

Cheshire Cats Sharnbrook Mill Theatre 7.30pm September 18-23

Grown women, aching feet and heaving bosoms! Follow the Cheshire Cats team as they speedwalk their way to fundraising success in the London Moonwalk. hilary, Siobhan, Yvonne, vicky and Maggie are attempting to walk 13 miles across the capital in record time in their decorated bras and posh new trainers, but the 6th member of the team doesn’t seem to meet the physical criteria! Published in July 2011, and based on a true story, Cheshire Cats is a cross between a girls’ night out and a real mission to support a cause close to many hearts, with plenty of laughs and a few tears along the way. www.sharnbrookmilltheatre/ticke ts or from new local box office:

Pick-a-Lily, Florist, 61 high Street (Park Lane corner), Sharnbrook, MK44 1PB in person 01234 781441.

Curtain Up At The Mill Sharnbrook Mill Theatre, 7.30pm Sat October 7

A Cabaret featuring the sounds of Swing, Pop and The Musicals! performed by Sioban Moore, Tracey holderness, Jonathan Reynolds, Clare emery and James Reynolds. Tickets £12.50 on-line at sharnbrookmilltheatre.co.uk or from Jonathan Reynolds: 07903 252451. Profits to The Mill Theatre ‘Warm Up Appeal’. This performance is dedicated to the memory of Mary Wills, an outstanding performer and supporter of ‘Sharnbrook’s ‘ musicals and those of many other local societies.

TEL: 07724 905406 or 07894 935952 email: advertising@rosettapublishing.com BeDFORDShIRe FAMILY hISTORY SOCIeTY 7.15p.m. Friday 8th September

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The Will Writing Company

Come along to our next monthly talk

“Ampthill’s Great Houses”

by John hele Drama hall of Mark Rutherford School, Wentworth Drive, Bedford MK41 8PX Members free, visitors £1. www.bfhs.org.uk

–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON AND DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY every Monday 7.30 to 10.00 At the Church of the Transfiguration rear church hall New members welcome For further details contact Brian Woodcock on 07795251988 or brianwoodcock@btinternet.com

–––––––––––––––––––––––– KEMPSTON GARDENS ASSOCIATION

If you are interested gardening why not come along to our meetings. New members and visitors welcome. We meet the second Wednesday of most months of the year in All Saints Church hall, Cemetery Road Kempston. We have speakers and demonstrations covering every aspect of gardening from Window Boxes to Allotments and outings are also arranged throughout the year. For further information contact Trevor on 01234 856040 or Marian on 01234 855288

KeMPSTON hAMMeRS SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB

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BEDFORD BULLETIN AUGUST 2017 — 15

www.thewillwritingco.co.uk

Mayfair House 11 Lurke Street, Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel: 01234 761784

Free Will & Testament

The Will Writing Company is celebrating its 22nd Year in business and is offering a free Will & Testament (joint or single) to all readers. If you have been meaning to make a Will, now is your chance to take advantage of this exclusive offer and give you and your loved ones peace of mind. By making a Will, you decide who takes care of your children and who inherits your estate. Storage facility optional.

To take advantage of this offer and book an appointment or for furtherinformation please call our offices on the above number between the hours of 9:00am-5:30pm Monday to Friday (£20 surcharge for after 5:30pm appointments on request)

OFFER ENDS 31st AUGUST 2017

WE ALSO OFFER OTHER SERVICES:

l Lasting Power of Attorneys l Probate advice

l Protective Property Trust Wills l Inheritance Tax Planning

FUN BINGO

FREE WILL VOUCHER

Aug 30th

This voucher entitles you to a FREE Mirror Will (normal cost £125) or a FREE Single Will (normal cost £85) Valid until 31st AUGUST 2017

Last Wednesday of the month. Doors open at 7pm with eyes down at 8pm. Sept 27th: Oct 25th: nov 29th

cHRiSTMAS BingO major event in December - date yet to be decided Doors open 7pm eyes down 8pm eveRYONe WeLCOMe

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CROSS STITCH FOR BEGINNERS COURSE Thurs 31st Aug 7pm to 9pm. £10 pp SAxOn gAMES AnD cRAFTS Saxon Way, Great Denham, MK40 4GP Call 07877 951630 for info or to book.

BeDFORD NATIONAL TRUST ASSOCIATION 2.30pm Tuesday September 26

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David Gunn talks about his father Ben Gunn

“How a childhood ambition evolved into a fascinating career in aviation. From WWll fighter pilot to the thrills and dangers of jet age test flying and beyond” Addison centre – Kempston For further information ring Betty Thomas on 01480 860 421

The Will Writing Company Mayfair House, 11 Lurke Street, Bedford, Beds, MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 761784 Email enquiries@thewillwritingco.co.uk Terms and Conditions. Office appointments only. This voucher can not be exchanged for cash. The voucher must be produced at your appointment.

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BeDS AND heRTS hISTORIC ChURCheS TRUST

ALL SAINTS PARISh ChURCh KeMPSTON

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FULL AFTERNOON TEA & A GUIDED TOUR

Saturday, 9 September, 10.00am to 6.00pm

of this historic church to visiting groups of 10 or above at a cost per head of £7.95. Contacts are Janet Fardell on 01234 855158 email:martinandjanet1@btinternet.com or Frances Leonard on 01234 852480 email: francesmleonard@gmail.com

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